Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

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Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Schedule

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Schedule
Transport NameRoute TimePrice
Firstplan Transport Services Van 10pax Any time฿ 19,690
K Buddy Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat 05:00 - 16:00฿ 1,490
Thai AirAsia Economy 08:50 - 16:00฿ 6,843
K Buddy Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Sleeping Bus 12:00 - 07:00฿ 1,450
Naluangs Taxi + Sleeping Bus 15:00 - 07:30฿ 1,200
Sombat Tour Express 42 18:30 - 14:05฿ 3,021
Thai AirAsia Economy 21:30 - 09:30฿ 5,202

Transportation from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Facts about the transport from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Cheapest Transport$36
Fastest Transport6h 45m
Earliest Departure5:00 AM
Latest Departure9:30 PM
Departures per day10
Distance1750 kilometers
Transport CompaniesFirstplan Transport Services, JTTT Travel, K Buddy, Naluangs, Sombat Tour, Thai AirAsia, Yortdoy Travel

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Destination Reviews

CZ
I had booked the van plus overnight bus to Laos. Departure was scheduled for 12pm at my hotel. A gentleman came by at 11am to tell me that the departure had been postponed until 2pm. At 1.30pm another man in a basic car picked him up and dropped me off at the van. The rest went pretty well. The van was comfortable and air-conditioned, and he took us to a small roadside shop to do the paperwork before the border (rather bizarre). We filled in the customs form and took photos if we didn't have any. You can also change baths into kip at a very attractive rate. Customs clearance was fairly straightforward, with nothing to report on the Thai side. On the Laotian side, however, there was a $1 or 50 bath service charge (just for her to check the form). Pay $40 or 1,800 baths for the visa (be careful, in baths it's much more expensive). After passing through customs, we had to wait to catch the night bus, which took us to the small but well-stocked bus station. The night bus left more than 30 minutes late, the staff were as unfriendly as possible, they didn't explain anything to us and they didn't speak English. You end up in a rather narrow berth with a stranger (they try to put tourists together). And a road that jolts you back and forth between holes and bends is enough to make you want to vomit. There was a dinner break at 8pm, and after that we had no idea whether there were breaks or just the travelers' stops, because nothing was said in English. The journey goes on, we don't sleep or don't sleep much, but at least we make it to our destination.
This review was autotranslated
Bus Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Sleeping Bus, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Mar 5, 2024
CM
bon dans lense
Bus Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Feb 6, 2024
N
The journey to the border was perfect, and the cab driver was extremely helpful with the formalities, etc. Thank you again. On the other hand, the bus was not at all comfortable, there were no mattresses, there were two of you per berth and there wasn't much room, so you were sharing the intimacy of a stranger if you were alone. We were woken up several times by the noise, the flashlights on our heads and by customs who ripped my bag protector in the hold. It's certainly an experience, but if you need comfort, take the plane instead :)
This review was autotranslated
Bus Taxi + Sleeping Bus, Naluangs, Dec 14, 2023
KM
We made it to Laos in one piece but the bus was an experience I will never forget haha. The bus was over packed with people sleeping in the isle. I woke up to the sound of a lady being violently sick. The bus was very jumpy and rocky.
Bus Taxi + Sleeping Bus, Naluangs, Oct 18, 2023
4.4
17 customer reviews
5
41%
4
24%
3
29%
2
6%
1
0%

How to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Travelling between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang is possible by Flight, bus, ferry and taxi. Flight guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Bus+taxi+ferry is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 187.84 if you go by flight; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a bus which will set you back mere USD 35.69.

How long does it take to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang?

It can take you anywhere between 7 and 35 hours to travel between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang depending on the means of transport you choose.

Flight is the fastest way to travel between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang. Flight will bring you to your destination in 6h 45m. Bus+taxi+ferry does a much slower job and take about 1d 11h to reach Luang Prabang.

How much does it cost to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang?

Travelling between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang can be as cheap as USD 35.69 if you opt for a Naluangs bus and as expensive as USD 187.84 if you buy a Thai AirAsia (แอร์เอเชีย) flight ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

How many trips per day are there between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang ?

  • 3 by flight from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 08:50 Chiang Rai Airport until 21:30 Chiang Rai Airport
  • 3 by Bus+taxi from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 12:00 Chiang Rai Transfer
  • 3 by Bus+taxi+Ferry from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 08:00 Chiang Khong Transfer
  • 1 from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 15:00 Chiang Khong Green Bus until 15:00 Chiang Khong Green Bus

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Bus

Travelling from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.

Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.

They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.

Companies operating bus routes between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang

Naluangs

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang

Firstplan Transport Services (เฟิร์สแพลน ทรานสปอร์ตเซอร์วิส)

What is the most popular transport to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with Bus+taxi+Ferry remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

  • 33% chosen Bus+taxi+Ferry
  • 32% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 31% opted for a bus
  • 1% Other